[sdiy] SMPTE Time Code Reader—Need Generator

[brianw]

Hi Terry,

Way back in 1992 or so, I bought the JL Cooper Sync*Link - my model was designed for the NeXT Computer RS422 interface commonly used for MIDI interfacing. This has SMPTE input and output, so it can generate or read SMPTE. I never got around to using it due to lack of a tape deck that would synchronize with SMPTE.

In your case, what is this SMPTE Time Code Reader supposed to do? Does it merely display Time Code? ... or does it also have output signals that can keep a tape transport in lock-step with the time code?


Do you already have gear that outputs SMPTE Time Code?

You might look for any modern MIDI interfaces that have SMPTE I/O. The Metric Halo Labs MobileIO line of audio interfaces have SMPTE input and output, but I have not tested the support for the signaling.

Mark of the Unicorn (MOTU) also have SMPTE support on some interfaces. The MIDI Express XT is one example, as is the MIDI Micro Express. Discontinued interfaces with this feature include the MTP (MIDI Time Piece) AV.

Then, once you have a computer interface that supports SMPTE, you can create or use any existing audio session to generate SMPTE Time Code that represents the current playback position of the audio. It's like a physical tape deck without the cumbersome limitations of physics.

Brian Willoughby


On Jun 13, 2024, at 5:55 PM, Terry Bowman wrote:
> I acquired this recently:
> 
> https://www.ebay.com/itm/266798260729
> 
> Now all I need is a SMPTE time code generator and the info for hooking it up to this.. Does anyone out there have any experience with this? Just asking before I go down the rabbit hole.
> 
> It arrived with the top PCB completely loose and it isn't lighting up properly. The one IC I pulled on popped right out. I was amazed. It's usually the other way around. But hopefully this means that reseating the TTL will fix everything.
> 
> Terry Bowman